Description
Learn how to bake perfectly tender sweet potatoes with options for crispy or soft skins. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients and an easy oven-baking method to yield delicious, versatile sweet potatoes that can be enjoyed as a side or base for numerous dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
Seasoning & Oil
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Coarse sea salt, to taste (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Rinse and scrub each sweet potato thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Use a fork to poke multiple holes all over the surface of each potato to allow steam to escape during baking. Drizzle roughly 1 teaspoon of oil over each potato and rub it evenly all around with your hands. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sea salt and freshly cracked pepper over the skin for added flavor, especially if you plan to eat the skin.
- Choose Your Baking Method: Select one of the following methods based on your preferred skin texture:
- For tender potatoes with easy cleanup: Wrap each sweet potato twice in aluminum foil. You can also place parchment paper between the potato and foil to prevent sticking.
- For a balance of crispy skin and fluffy interior: Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then cover the entire pan with foil to retain moisture.
- For the crispiest skin possible: Arrange sweet potatoes on a wire rack inside a baking dish or directly on a baking sheet without foil.
- Bake in the Oven: Place the prepared sweet potatoes in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Baking time depends on the size of the potatoes with larger ones taking about 60 minutes and smaller ones about 45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of a potato; it should slide in easily. Alternatively, gently squeeze the potato to ensure it feels soft inside.
Notes
- Wrapping the potatoes in foil results in softer skins, while baking on a rack crisps them up.
- Sweet potatoes can be baked whole or halved if you want to reduce cooking time.
- Use a meat fork or sharp knife for poking holes to prevent bursting during baking.
- Leftover baked sweet potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated easily.
- Try topping baked sweet potatoes with butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, or savory toppings like sour cream and chives.
